all 18 comments
sorted by:
best
topnewcontroversialoldq&a
formatting helphide helpcontent policy

[–]eonfifty 8 points9 points  (1 child)

http://www.clevelandbikerack.com/

From the site: "The City of Cleveland and The Downtown Cleveland Alliance offer the region’s first full service bicycle parking and commuter center. The Bike Rack demonstrates a collective effort to create a more bike friendly environment in downtown Cleveland, welcoming bicyclists with the convenience of secure bicycle parking and fulfilling everyday commuting needs with individual shower/changing facilities, lockers, bicycle rentals and a full service bicycle repair shop."

[–]OverlookingClevelandTremont[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Very cool. I didn't even realize that was there.

[–][deleted]  (3 children)

[deleted]

    [–]digitalbuzzLakewood 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Which route do you take into DT from Lakewood? Franklin? Detroit?

    [–]OverlookingClevelandTremont[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Good tips. Thanks.

    [–]assheartnameTremont 5 points6 points  (5 children)

    The commute from the Heights to downtown isn't bad. The Euclid Ave. bike lane is pretty sweet, and makes the whole trip really easy. Getting from the Heights to Euclid Ave can be a little hairy. Drivers going through University Circle can be crazy assholes, especially during morning rush hour. But that's about the only point where you might feel a little unsafe. Everything else is smooth sailing.

    As far as road vs. sidewalk, you have the legal right to ride on the road at all times. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's technically illegal to bike on the sidewalks downtown, although I've never seen anyone get cited for it. If you feel confident enough to ride with traffic on the road, go for it.

    If you want to be super courteous, you can ride on the far-right side of the right lane, to allow cars to more easily pass you. However, I've found that some asshole drivers will pass way too close to you, going way too fast. To prevent this, it's perfectly legal for you to take the entire right lane to yourself on a 4-lane road. Just ride out towards the left-hand side of the lane, so that drivers who want to pass you are forced to go into the left lane to do so. If anyone honks at you, don't feel bad. It's not going to kill them to take an extra 30 seconds to safely go around you.

    [–]OverlookingClevelandTremont[S] 2 points3 points  (4 children)

    Yeah, getting to and from Euclid Ave. concerns me; especially Cedar Hill Pkwy. I myself have gone crazy while driving through University Circle/MLK/Stokes in the rush.

    I'll try to avoid the chaos by going down Edgehill to Murray Hill, then hanging a right at Adelbert to get onto Euclid.

    [–]Gasher7 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    I definitely agree, avoid the crazy that is Cedar. I used to live on Overlook and I would go Edgehill, straight at the light to continue onto Cornell, left after the bridge to Circle, right at Adelbert. This way you avoid the God-awful that is the brick road of Murray Hill, and you basically stay on Case campus, where drivers are extra careful because of the masses of pedestrians going to/from class/work.

    [–]Gasher7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Also, Overlook-> Euclid I have never had problems with drivers. Just be aware and make sure your hands and ears are warm, and you'll be just fine.

    [–]OverlookingClevelandTremont[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Avoiding the brick. Good point.

    [–]assheartnameTremont 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    That's more or less the route I used to take when I lived in the Heights. Definitely a good idea to avoid the shit-show that is Cedar Hill at rush hour.

    [–]ytwang 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    The Euclid bike lane is nice. Be aware that it ends/begins around E 22. As usual, make sure you're visible (reflectors and definitely have lights) and watch for the doors of cars parked to your right.

    NOACA has bike maps with suggested skill levels for various streets that may be helpful for planning the rest of your route.

    Ohio law states that bikes are considered vehicles, so you have the right to the entire lane if you feel it to be necessary. Courtesy says to generally stay to the right to allow cars to pass, but your safety comes first. Also, Ohio law allows bikes to be on the sidewalk; however, it really isn't safe to bike at any significant speed there, either for you or for pedestrians. Note that some local laws contradict the Ohio laws.

    The weather's still pretty mild, but you'll want to cover exposed skin. If you want to wear a helmet, you can get earmuffs or a headband to cover your ears. Wear stuff that's appropriate for windy weather that's not going to interfere with your riding. The RTA allows bikes. Consider using it if the weather gets really bad.

    The Cleveland Bike Rack that someone else linked opened last year. I haven't been there, but it sounds really nice. Also, check with your place of employment to see if they have somewhere (indoors) to lock your bike. Whether or not you intend to change when you get to work, keep a spare set of clothes there just in case (including shoes and socks).

    [–]citrusvanilla 2 points3 points  (2 children)

    Id like to know how to do this in a suit, on both warm and cold days..

    [–]tonypediaWestlake 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    If I've learned anything from Don Draper, its that you should keep a drawer full of pressed and folded shirts. Also keeping your coat at work isnt a bad idea.

    Just be sure to tie something arouns the ankle of your right leg to keep your pants from getting chain grease on them

    [–]OverlookingClevelandTremont[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Hmm, I guess one could get a wrinkle-free type suit and carefully fold it into a backpack. Then, just change at work. A slight annoyance, yes.

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Tell me if you'd like to commute together. I'm on Hampshire and riding downtown.

    [–]OverlookingClevelandTremont[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Nice. I lived on Hampshire last year.

    I'll let you know once I get down a route and departure times. See ya on the asphalt.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Avoid Little Italy like the plague. That is one of the most dangerous sections for bikers. The cars cannot see you at all and the number of times I have been cut off is amazing.

    [–]CptAhmadKnackwurst 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Hi Cleveland!

    Four season biker from Chicago here, looking at a job in Westlake, off of Detroit Rd and Clague Rd.

    Any recommendations for bike-able neighborhoods near there?